NEXT GAME

KEY MATCHUP

F Fredy Montero vs. CB Sean Nealis

A decade’s worth of experience separates Montero (31) and Nealis (22), the young defender pressed into emergency action last week for New York. Can the goal-starved Caps get some production from their DP? The 6-4, 185-pound Nealis is no pushover. In 50 minutes of playing time against Atlanta, he had three tackles, two interceptions and five blocks.

Vancouver Whitecaps forward Fredy Montero shows off his silky skills during a May 10, 2019 MLS game against the visiting Portland Timbers.DARRYL DYCK /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. PRODIGAL FELIPE

Gotta love the synergy of Felipe’s return to New York. His last game at Red Bull Arena before being traded to Vancouver in March of 2018 was against Atlanta — New York’s opponent on Sunday — in October of 2017. The game before that was against the Whitecaps, when he scored in a 3-0 New York victory.

“Of course when you play against your former team it’s extra motivation,” said Felipe. “I had an amazing time in New York; I’ll always be thankful for the time I had there. That’s the world of football — you change teams, but you always have to be thankful for the time you spend (there).”

In his three years with the Red Bulls, Felipe started in all 100 of his appearances, helping the club to the 2016 Supporters’ Shield with a 10-goal, 17-assist campaign.

The Whitecaps’ Felipe (right) and the New York Red Bulls’ Alejandro Gamarra vie for the ball during their August 2018 MLS match at B.C. Place Stadium.DARRYL DYCK /
THE CANADIAN PRESS files

2. FRESH LEGS

When the Caps take on Dallas this weekend, it will cap a spell that saw them play Friday-Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday, an average of a game every three days. It would have meant there would be some rotation against New York anyways, but injuries have exacerbated it. Expect Derek Cornelius to see some action for Doneil Henry, with Scott Sutter also likely to step in. A noticeably lagging Inbeom Hwang could also give way to Felipe.

3. STATS, SCHMATS

The Red Bulls are the league’s most inaccurate passing team, home and away (65.7/66 per cent), and actually possess the ball less than the Whitecaps (47.7, 16th to 46.8, 20th). But aggressive, pressure defence (12.8 interceptions, 3rd; 19.4 tackles, 4th) are a big reason why Red Bull Arena is a fortress. Since it opened in 2010, NYRB have the best home record in MLS (102-25-31), including 65 shutouts. They’re 13-5 in their last 18 home games, outscoring opponents 28-12.

4. RED FLAG

The Whitecaps hope they don’t see any red cards on Wednesday, and they definitely won’t be seeing any ginger. Ex-Cap Tim Parker will miss the game because of a red card incurred during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Atlanta. The Red Bulls are now 3-0-2 when they see a player red-carded.

New York Red Bulls’ Tim Parker — a former Whitecaps standout — gets his head on the ball to prevent a pass from reaching Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kei Kamara, back, during their Aug. 18, 2018 MLS game at B.C. Place Stadium.DARRYL DYCK /
THE CANADIAN PRESS files

5. FULL 90

In the Caps’ last four road games, there have been four goals scored in the 84th minute or later. Against Chicago, Vancouver gave up an 84th-minute equalizer. Nani scored the winner in the 88th for Orlando. Andy Rose saved the Caps vs. Colorado with an 87th-minute winner, while Derek Cornelius salvaged a tie with a 94th-minute strike against SKC.

PREDICTED STARTING XIs

Vancouver (4-3-3)

PC-Montero-Venuto

Teibert-Felipe-Rose

Adnan-Cornelius-Godoy-Sutter

Goalkeeper: Crepeau

New York (4-2-3-1)

White

Etienne-Kaku-Muyl

Davis-Casseres

Duncan-Tarek-Nealis-Lade

Goalkeeper: Robles

The Red Bulls’ Bradley Wright-Phillips (left) and the Whitecaps’ Yordy Reyna — pictured in action last season at B.C. Place Stadium — have been their club’s respective offensive stars, but both are currently sidelined with leg injuries.DARRYL DYCK /
THE CANADIAN PRESS files